Tuesday, January 31, 2012

On this day in 1606 English revolutionary Guy Fawkes died. He was tried for his part in the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Parliament building in protest of the corrupt and oppressive rule. Fawkes was to be hung, drawn and quartered but in denying the crown the justice they wanted he jumped from the hangman's platform to the ground below breaking his neck and dying instantly.

Not only do they rush into burning buildings to save lives, they ACT when they see their fellow citizens being attacked. That's right, firefighters with Engine Company 22 yesterday saw a man being yelled at by four hoods. When Captain Jack Johnson and firefighters John Amato, Wilson Carrera and Jonathan Rosado looked into the rear-view mirror after passing by they saw the four losers begin attacking the man. They turned the fire truck around and came back to help the victim and chased after the attackers catching one and turning him over to the Jersey City police.

The group had stolen the victim's cellphone, computer and other valuables and left him with a bleeding nose and swollen eyes so we are very thankful these Jersey City firefighters acted as they did. A tip of the Jersey City Desk cap to Captain Jack Johnson and firefighters John Amato, Wilson Carrera and Jonathan Rosado, showing the best Jersey City has to offer.

He wanted to see if he could become the Rutgers head football coach for the day as others have seemingly managed to do this week. Zoltron said he'd institute a 4-3 defense and a West-Coast offense in his day in charge.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Are you one of those who figures our complete lack of winter means we'll have to pay for it come summer or are you of the mind that we're getting a warm winter after dealing with the last two record-setting hot summers?

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Loew's Theater Jersey City will be hosting a meet and greet along with a movie double feature with Oscar nominated actress Piper Laurie. Forever etched in our memories are her roles in The Hustler with Paul Newman, Carrie, (The two films being screened) Children of a Lesser God and her classic spin on TeeVee's Twin Peaks. Laurie will be signing copies of her book 'Learning to Live Out Loud' as the event kicks off at 5:15 with The Hustler screening after that and Carrie playing at 9:15 pm.

By now you've no doubt heard that thousands of Bruce Springsteen fans were shut out by marauding 'bots' or ticket buying programs yesterday. Even as fans kept trying to access Ticketmaster to buy seats for the upcoming shows at the Izod Center and the Prudential Center sites such as eBay and StubHub were advertising the tickets they were trying to buy for thousands more.

Ticketmaster acted surprised and shocked (again) saying:

"We anticipate and prepare for volume, but what we experienced today was a highly suspicious source of traffic, and there was exponentially more traffic than other similar days with major ‘onsales,’ " Ticketmaster spokeswoman Jacqueline Peterson said.

SO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT TICKETMASTER. We've seen ZERO ideas from Ticketmaster, who lets face it makes hundreds of millions of dollars really for doing NOTHING, on how THEY plan to stop this kind of thing in the future. Gee, you'd think they just didn't care until someone like Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.) comes sniffing around asking hard questions about Ticketmaster's business model:

"We’ve got to take a very, very careful look at the use of high-tech computer programs. While many fans were unable to get tickets today, many brokers were able to get their hands on good seats ... and put them up on secondary ticket sellers’ websites," said Pascrell, who will re-introduce federal legislation to improve oversight of the ticket industry.

Truth is Ticketmaster could give a shit. They get their money via the bots through resellers and that's what they care about. If Ticketmaster cared this wouldn't happen time after time after time after time.

Short of passing serious laws with serious penalties about reselling tickets say within 24 or 48 hours after they go on sale this won't change. Ticketmaster (and by association Ticketmasters own reselling arm TicketsNow), eBay, StubHub etc. are NEVER going to fix their business model for fans. They're not.

So Mr. Pascrell do your worst, get everyone behind you, pass a serious law with serious consequences and you know what, NOBODY will be on Ticketmaster's side. We've all been getting ripped off by them for decades. There will be NO public outcry over turning the screws on them. Right or left, Republican or Democrat we all enjoy going to concerts. It's a win-win proposition. It'd play REALLY REALLY well in an election year. Just saying. Ticketmaster doesn't HAVE to be a necessary evil.

Yes we all know the song 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' is a great song but tonight we're gonna drop a different version on you than you are most likely familiar with. This is from the Peel Sessions from 1979.

Friday, January 27, 2012

The Jersey City Council passed an ordinance to allow late-night live music in commercial district restaurants. The music can flow freely as the drinks until 2 am on Friday and Saturday with 1 am being last call for music from Sunday through Thursday evenings. The vote was 7-0 in favor of the live music with Peter Brennan abstaining because he owns an entertainment license and Brennan's new heated rival Nidia Lopez who said a family member may buy a license.

This is great news. Johnny will most assuredly be hitting some of these fine Jersey City establishments later in the evening as he is all about good food and great music.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Bad car ad night here at the Jersey City Desk. What can you say about the 1973 Ford LTD Broughm that hasn't been said already? Yes, words like crappy, bloated, aesthetically displeasing and the car that every serial killer or murderer will drive in every TeeVee show and movie until 1982. At Ford quiet is the sound of a well made car the ad says. Yes, and blindness is the result of a horribly designed car.

It would seem a late time for a head coaching change with recruiting still going on but a head coaching change in Piscataway it is. The timing really does leave the Scarlet Knights in a bind with signing day close at hand. We think Schiano was a fine Rutgers head coach but boy we just don't see how that parlays into success with the Yuckaneers.

No word on any new head coach at Rutgers as of yet...

Update 4:40 pm

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out there Greggie. There's a right way and a wrong way to leave a job such as yours. You have chosen to STIFF Rutgers and the recruits you asked to trust you. Former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano was SUPPOSED to meet with assistant coaches and recruits this morning, Dave Hooker with ESPN takes it from there:

As scheduled, five Rutgers assistant coaches showed up at the Ramsey, N.J., school, which showcases several highly rated prospects each year. The coaches were focused on securing current commitment Leonte Carroo, a three-star receiver, and Darius Hamilton, a four-star defensive end who is primarily considering the Scarlet Knights and Florida.

Schiano never showed up nor called anyone. He just left the kids and his assistants hanging. What a classless thing to do. Those kids by the way are still free to play anywhere they want to and some just might according to Hooker:

With six days before national signing day, Rutgers suddenly finds itself in an incredible time crush to secure its 2012 class. Who will be Rutgers' next coach, but perhaps almost as importantly, how many assistants will stay at the school? Even with a new head coach, those relationships could still pay dividends in recruiting. If Rutgers decides to go elsewhere to hire a coach, those assistants may be gone. An in-house hiring could ease the transition a bit, but it will be a challenge no matter what.

It's really baffling why Schiano chose to leave through a back door and keep walking. For all the good he's done for the program this was just a really poor final chapter.

...OK we'll start with the old man, New York City police commissioner the ever failing Ray Kelly.

Ray Kelly has been under a lot of self-inflicted pain lately, his complete and utter mishandling of the police riot started at Zuccotti Park in violently evicting #OWS protestors. His police force under his direction became so out of control even Mayor Bloomberg noticed his personal army was misbehaving, especially when it came to cracking news media skulls. Previously Kelly helped run the spying activities under his watch that spied on Muslim neighborhoods which is what we're here to talk about today. A "film" entitled "The Third Jihad: Radical Islam's Vision for America" a scary propaganda related "film" was running constantly in New York City PD stations, over 1400 officers watched the "film" over a period of months. Previously Kelly's PD said the "film" was hardly being shown at all, saying it only screened "a few times." Sounds like somebody playing fast and loose with the truth. Kelly said originally he had nothing to do with the "film" --- until of course he did. He gives an interview IN the "film". Oops. So Mr. Kelly we wonder, after your OBVIOUS involvement with this piece of trash did that lead to you spying on the Muslim neighborhoods? We think you owe the city and the citizens an explanation. Did this propaganda influence your viewpoint in spying on New Yorkers? Johnny has his guess.

Now onto television personality Greg Kelly who Johnny is told is on one of the morning shows in NYC, "Good Day New York", has been accused of rape. The police commish's son is being accused by an unidentified woman "who is in her late 20s or early 30s, says that Kelly took her to a bar at the South Street Seaport. After several drinks, she says they went to the Lower Manhattan law firm where she works, and there Kelly proceeded to rape her." That's nasty business if true. Now, we know celebs live under a different kind of justice than the rest of society. Before anyone jumps to a conclusion about he'll automatically get the charges dismissed should know two things; 1) Because he is the Police Commissioner's son the investigation will be handled by the Manhattan D.A.'s office (Of course this doesn't mean muckity mucks at the NYPD can't pressure the DA's office for info). 2) The woman waited three months to report the crime. Does this mean it didn't happen or we should dismiss her accusations? No. According to The New York Times the woman's boyfriend approached the elder Kelly and told him of the incident to which the Police Commissioner told the man to "write a letter."

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

It never gets old, Messi Messi Messi Messi Pedro BANG. The best part about this goal, the first of two by the Blaugrana in the last 5 minutes of the first half, is that it comes with a Ronaldo hissy fit for the ages at the end. Good God man, do you need a tissue? He's beginning to realize that no, he's not going to beat Barcelona (again) and now it's time to, as the great Johnny Cash once sang 'Cry, Cry, Cry'.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Well it looks like the Yankees are going to have to open the vault under the new Yankee Stadium to keep pace with the Motor City Kitties. Adding Prince Fielder to a lineup with fellow MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera, Delmon Young, Magglio Ordonez, Jhonny Peralta and Alex Avila sure got the attention of the baseball world today. The Detroit auto companies are firing on all cylinders these days and it looks like the Tigers offense will be too. It's nice to see Prince Fielder playing where his dad Cecil had some great years.

But when Caribou Barbie starts calling Christie a "rookie" and saying he's "making rookie mistakes" over his criticism of Newt Gingrich on behalf of his new BFF Mittens Romney we feel the need to clarify some things for Mrs. Palin.

First off Moosealini, you QUIT halfway through your term. Up and quit when the going got tough. Say what you want about Chris Christie but he doesn't run from a fight or a challenge. Then to say of our Governor, no doubt trying to make a bodily comparison, "Well, you kind of get your panties in a wad..." we get it Sarah. We see what you're TRYING to accomplish. If someone had said this about you, you'd be on the Hannity show complaining you're a victim of sexism.

Next off Sarah, while you were a drag on the 2008 GOP ticket, Chris Christie would be a plus. Here are a few of your "rookie mistakes" Mrs. Palin and think next time you---er wait, nevermind...

*Earning your family the name 'The Wasilla Hillbillies' -- Perhaps the most dangerous allegation for Palin are reports in The New York Times and Newsweek that when she was urged by McCain adviser Nicole Wallace to buy three suits for the Republican convention and three suits for the campaign trail, she went on the now-infamous shopping spree at swank stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. There is one comment in particular from a McCain aide that guaranteed to heighten friction between the two camps. The angry aide described the Palin family shopping spree to Newsweek as "Wasilla hillbillies looting Neiman Marcus from coast to coast."

*Despite warnings from the McCain camp taking a phone call from French President Nicholas Sarkozy which turned out to be a radio station prank.

*Not knowing Africa is a continent

*Not knowing which three North American nations are in NAFTA.

*Demanding to make your OWN concession speech Nov. 4, 2008

*When asked what the Vice President does (Remember she's now running for this office) said "[T]hey’re in charge of the U.S. Senate so if they want to they can really get in there with the senators and make a lot of good policy changes that will make life better for Brandon and his family and his classroom."

Monday, January 23, 2012

*Super Bowl XVLIIXMCLVIILXXXCLMXIII will be Sunday February 5th at 6pm in Indianapolis. Your New York Giants will try not to give back the Super Bowl victory that knocked New England from a perfect season in 2007-08. No doubt Jersey Journal reporter Kate Kowsh will looking for "long lines outside Hoboken bars jammed with Giants fans" later today. Seemingly it's allshedoes.

PSE&G said roughly 100 Jersey City residents had to be evacuated yesterday because of a gas leak near Pacific Avenue and Ash St. No doubt this will be found to not be PSE&G's fault. We just have a feeling.

Port Authority police nabbed a 15-year-old jackass who had been targeting people on the PATH and stealing their smartphones from their hands as he would run off the train. Well done there.

Not well done there -- A Port Authority police officer ran over a skateboarder while driving intoxicated on Friday according to reports. Mark Legiec blew "over the legal limit" according to Berkeley Heights Police Chief Michael Mathis. Note that if this had been you Chief Mathis would have had no trouble plastering your reading in public.

We'll get to that. Johnny would imagine that after you've won a few Super Bowls like the Giants that losing another isn't the end of the world like it would be for say us Browns fans. You know, you've got those warm and fuzzy memories of Phil McConkey and Mark Bavaro, Phil Simms, and beating the unperfect Pats. So just winning today and getting to have your team talked about at length for two weeks is way beyond your expectations of September.

But are they going to win?

Eli is the better QB by far today. He will also face his first great defense today at Candlestick. No turnovers, manage the game if you have to. The more points the Giants score the more pressure to make a mistake grows on unproven Alex Smith. Every point, every seemingly meaningless early field goal increases the chances Smith will screw up. Smith too is facing his toughest defense of the playoffs. We don't think the 49ers will come close to 36 points today.

Dumbass, are they going to win?

Speaking of unproven, Jim Harbaugh ladies and gentlemen. While Tom Coughlin is as predictable as a Swiss watch Harbaugh is impetuous at times. Those big moments in a game can make a legend or have you answering uncomfortable questions at the post-game presser. Until Mr. Harbaugh leads his team to a Super Bowl we'll take Abe Simpson in this one.

Dammit Johnny, are they goi-----

Here's the X-factor....Johnny's wife is a 49ers fan. For a prediction that has no real bearing on the outcome, sorry Giants fans, homefront harmony shall reign supreme.

Hey hey, the US Men's National Team scored "at the death" as they say elsewhere, "deep into extra time" as we say here and beat Venezuela 1-0 in Phoenix tonight. A good effort from the 'B' squad with all of our top tier players still playing in Europe.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Upset one of his own citizens wasn't somehow smart enough to check beforehand what New York City's gun laws were (ie see Burress, Plaxico) before bringing a weapon to the World Trade Center memorial, a Tennessee state representative is issuing thinly-veiled threats to New York drivers who may be driving through the Volunteer State. Representative Frank Niceley said in a self-described "tongue-in-cheek" statement that "Be it further resolved that we remind the citizens of New York, especially those residing in New York City, to drive carefully through the great State of Tennessee, paying extra attention to our speed limits."

Thanks Frank, we'll be suuuuuure to note that. Mayor Bloomberg's spokesmodels sure did: "We agree, everyone should use common sense—which is what prosecutors in New York do," Bloomberg spokesman Marc LaVorgna responded. "Common sense also includes checking gun laws before traveling—something even the NRA tells people to do."

Burrrrrrrrrrn.

Since Mr. Nicely is such a fan of tongue-in-cheek proclamations we have a few of our own for the good people of Tennessee when it comes to dealing with New Jersey and New York:

1) Be it resolved that no moonshine may be brought into New Jersey or New York.2) Be it resolved that no citizen of Tennessee married to a relative shall have their marriage recognized by the states of New Jersey or New York.3) Be it resolved no more elephants be hung in Tennessee. Yes, we said no more elephants being hung.4) Be it resolved that the Nashville Predators win a division title once in their franchise lifetime before they have been in the league 20 years.5) Be it resolved that Tennessee drop Dolly Parton as their state bird.

There you have it Mr. Nicely, you pass these along to your constituents as they enter the Cracker Barrel...

The music world is dimished tonight with the passing of legendary singer Etta James. Etta was 73 and left a catalog as wide as it is deep. So many tributes today are focusing on her standard 'At Last', and rightfully so. Johnny's iTunes catalog when it comes to Etta has far more of her "take charge" kind of songs, bold and brassy and with that signature snarl.

Etta James passes into immortality tonight with 'I Just Want To Make Love To You'.

Mr. David Byrne once explained the genesis of this song. He said he knew a girl in high school in suburban Baltimore used to like to take acid and lie in a field next to the Yoo Hoo chocolate drink factory, like you do. She told him that was a great place for it. He said he had his doubts. David Byrne with 'And She Was'.

Please note the first of two clips from British tellie. Brought to you by Cadbury and the Aston Villa Football Club.

Here's a real anthemic rocker from Sheryl Crow on the Jools Holland TeeVee programme across the pond. It's called 'Out of Our Heads' and it'll set those toes to tapping and fingers to popping. As they'd say in England, have a go.

Crime rampage aficionado and waste of skin Maksim Gelman, whom you may recall went on a killing and slashing spree last winter got his lifetime achievement award yesterday being sentenced to 200 years to life. Mr. Big and Bad glowered around the courtroom and made offensive statements to the victims families in court before being sentenced. Justice Richard D. Carruthers of State Supreme Court in Manhattan sentenced Gelman for four murders and a slashing subway attack. The subway attack was Gelman's downfall as he bit off more than he could chew in attacking Joseph Lozito, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound devotee of mixed martial arts. Lozito stopped Gelman cold knocking him to the ground after being slashed at which point police arrived in the subway car to take Mr. Laughs into custody.

Speaking of biting off more than one can chew, please write us letters from prison Maksim, tell us how you enjoy everyone being a 6-foot-2, 270-pound muscleman. As always our best wishes go to the families who lost a loved one from Bozo's stupidity.

Yes, the interwebs will have to do without the Jersey City Desk today as we link to a very important web page about just what all the hoopla is over SOPA and PIPA, both very dangerous pieces of legislation as it relates to internet freedom. Compromise and or watering these bills down is not enough. They must be killed in their current form.

Well Giants fans, here is your payback from that. A possibly inebriated Packers fan crying on her way home from the big game. This video has roughly 1200 views on YouTube. By the weekend we're guessing it'll be thousands upon thousands...

Good morning Jersey City. Have you had your coffee yet this rainy morning in Cool City? Maybe a danish or some breakfast to start your day right? Good, thats great. Are you sitting down?

The MTV show The Jersey Shore has contacted and is looking to film their next season right here in Jersey City.

Peter Stuyvesant is rolling over in his grave.

Yes, what's not to love about drunken brawling and smush rooms inhabited by spray tanned dotars and little hobbit-like Elviras? The show is also looking at the possibility of filming in Las Vegas or Los Angeles. Sadly, if we had to guess getting the Jersey Shore cast this close to NYC might be too much to pass up. We're of the mind however since most of the guidos and guidetts are from Long Island ANYWAY, well you get the idea.

On the next Jersey Shore, Snooki goes hunting for the Long Island serial killer...

Color us a no vote on this one, Jersey City doesn't need anything this badly.

The old Manischewitz factory that takes up almost an entire city block between Marin, Bay, Provost and Warren in the Powerhouse Arts District hasn't been open in quite some time. The 1932 landmark is getting ready to be turned into some god-awful Toll Brothers cash cow and workers checking the water lines inside today left a door open out back and that was all Johnny needed.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The Giants just put a red-assed beat down on the Packers. Now they're off to San Francisco for the NFC Championship game next Sunday. The Green Bay Packers scheme and perform poorly and give up a devastating Hail Mary at the end of the half to the Giants. Earlier this year the Wisconsin Badgers gave up two devastating Hail Mary touchdowns on consecutive weeks to Michigan State and Ohio State. You gotta think the Cheeseheads are going to be a little gunshy next year at the end of the half.

Remember the last time Big Blue played the 49ers at Candlestick in the playoffs?

The temperature in Green Bay right now is 18 degrees. They are expecting a high of 26 with 10-20 mph winds and it wouldn't be Green Bay without freezing drizzle thrown in. Will the weather be much of a problem for the cold-weather Giants? Nah. Why bring it up? Johnny grew up in Detroit and picking against the Packers at Lambeau in January is folly. Yes, Johnny is well aware of the 2007 playoff game between the Giants and Packers. This is a much better Green Bay team than in 2007. Yes an upset CAN happen but is it likely? Let's break it down...

The Packers give up huge amounts of yards. Yes they have Woodson who seemingly is good for one turnover a game and they have that ferocious linebacker corps to get after Eli today. But still the Packers give up yards. We think time of possession will be key for the Giants today. They don't have to run for 150 yards (but it would be nice), just enough to make Green Bay feel pressure to perform with limited ball possession. Control the clock. Short passes. Make Rodgers sit. Green Bay isn't likely to run the ball much so if the Giants can take some air out of the ball, all the better.

The key today is Green Bay's offensive line vs the Giants front seven. Big Blue has been playing very very well up front the last few weeks. Can they control the line of scrimmage? Can they get pressure on Rodgers? By pressure we don't always mean sacks. Hit him, knock him down. Like former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw once said, every time you get hit your eyes drop a little further from downfield. If you're hit a few times you stop looking downfield and start looking around you. This is what the Giants need today. Oh boy do they. One other task of note, Rodgers can kill with the scramble. There will be a time today the Packers have a third and six at a crucial part of the game, don't let Rodgers run for it, those are morale killers.

Win the special teams battle. There is no reason the Giants can't win this aspect of the game. In fact if you want to beat the defending Super Bowl champs on their hallowed field you MUST win this battle. Lawrence Tynes can't go two for four in field goals. You cannot leave points on the field today. Steve Weatherford must punt into corners. Long snappers must be spot on, even in freezing drizzle. Do not lose the game on special teams and you have a chance.

The Giants won't be intimidated nor scared. They have seen this Packers team this year and played them close at the New Meadowlands. They won't be cold or unable to function as say a southern or dome team might.

So, what does the crystal ball say? Johnny has picked the Giants all year....until today. It's Green Bay in January and the Packers are 13-3 all-time in the playoffs in January at Lambeau.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

OK, we've had our initial sniping and finger pointing over how the Hoboken St. Patrick's Day parade became what it is. Yesterday FuHo Mayor Dawn Zimmer said the Mile Square City would still plan on hundreds if not thousands of revelers on the first Saturday in March (March 3rd this year) despite no parade for them to attend.

Wow, this is becoming a witches brew isn't it kids? You'll have so many people drinking, and many of them angry over the parade cancellation. When drunk people get angry and they are looking for payback against a faceless government entity things tend to get broken....and burned. Most Hoboken residents and parade attendees would never ever stoop to such a thing. That being said if you've ever studied crowd behavior it only takes one goober knocking something down or breaking a window for others to emulate goober #1.

We've got a bad feeling about this.

Of course, as we noted yesterday Jersey City is open for business and if it is a parade you're looking for we have that. A great parade. We have many local watering holes for those who wanna enjoy a Guinness or nip of Jameson's whiskey afterward.

We also have more than one PATH stop. Transit for the imbibed has never been easier!

And singing on this one, from Johnny's old stomping grounds of Ypsilanti, Iggy Pop. How badass is this video? The original Stooge, the original punk singing while being driven around New York City. And one more find from back Michigan way -- that longform Cadillac. Sweeeeeet.

The Teddybears featuring Iggy Pop with 'Punkrocker' kicking off the music series in fine form tonight

Now here is a fabulous acoustic version of their top ten hit 'Fade Into You'. Hope Sandoval stays with certain notes in this one that just makes this haunting song all the moreso. Johnny has described Hope's voice as 'passionate indifference' before and yeah, that sounds about right.

"There are many opinions on this topic and many who will be surprised by our decision. We chose not to go to court and not to continue to negotiate over the heavy-handedness of one person. The idea of marching in a parade, in the dark, on a week night, is as insulting as it is unreasonable. While we remain devoted to our heritage, we love our city too much to lower ourselves to the level of those who speak from a place of ignorance and ethnic/religious intolerance."

Did you get that Dawn Zimmer? We're going to go out on a limb and say you are the heavy handed one person they are talking about. RAWR huh? So Mayor, are you gonna take that mess from the committee? Any mayor worth their salt would point out what a mess the committee has let the parade become.

Wait, there's one more quote we need to pass along from the parade committee:

"...the city of Hoboken’s inability to protect our spectators, bands and participants."

Oh double BURN. AND your police force Mayor Zimmer. Now you HAVE to publicly excoriate those Irish bums (Johnny is 100% Irish and can say such things) and stick up for your police and firefighters (one of whom was spit on in the drunken revelry).

Hey, everyone, Jersey City has an AWESOME St. Patrick's Day parade and our mayor is Irish for real. If you read the comments on the Jersey Journal website he's really Irish. *wink wink nudge nudge* The beers are cold and tasty in Jersey City and there are dozens of fantastic watering holes to choose from.

Johnny speaks on behalf of all of Jersey City when he says to all of the disappointed and neglected Hoboken parade-goers JERSEY CITY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Leave your cares in the Mile Square City and come south where it's sunny and warmer.

"...Unfortunately the aftermath of the parade feels like an uncontrollable siege of our community.

Last year it reached a fever pitch with high levels of property damage, urination on the streets and on people’s homes, sexual assaults, and flower pots were even thrown on our firemen when they responded to a call."

Grocery delivery's big name, Fresh Direct is perhaps looking to see if the west side of the Hudson River holds more expansion promise than Long Island City, Queens. Fresh Direct applied for, and got, assistance in November as a part of the Urban Transit Hub tax credit program. Jersey City is offering up $100 million dollars in tax breaks as well should Fresh Direct look to relocate. Jersey City spokesperson Jennifer Morrill said "If the company moves here, it would bring new tax dollars to the city as well 1,500 jobs to Jersey City, with the expectation of eventually adding two to three thousand additional jobs."

So, the whining in New York City Hall has begun, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg sniveling (all that guy does anymore is whine) about New Jersey trying to lure Fresh Direct; "I don't like the idea of one state bribing a business to come." We're certain that there are no tax benefits being offered by Mr. Bloomberg over at the Atlantic Yards where the New Jersey Nets are set to be, well, lured over the Brooklyn to play basketball. Cuts both ways doesn't it Bloomie?

The new HQ, should one be built is proposed to be out where the Goya Foods is planning their new HQ on County Road.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Time for another Coronet film in how to be a better citizen. Johnny thinks Bill is a kid with a lot to do. He must be, he shovels food into his maw at an alarming rate of speed just to be somewhere else. Homer Simpson has nothing, and Johnny means nothing, on Bill.

What the hell was that gruel substance for breakfast? Thanks mom, nothing satisfies like a piping hot bowl of Elmer's Glue.

Ward C Councilwoman Nidia Lopez has said she has heard from her constituents and she thinks EVERY member of the Jersey City Council should put away the cellies and iPads during meetings and actually pay attention to the citizens. We would agree with Ms. Lopez, we think ignoring citizens because you feel like making a call of checking the score or the Yankees game is beyond rude. Being a city councilperson is your job. You asked to have it. The least you can do is put away the gadgets for a few hours.

Would you support a mandatory prohibition on electronic communication devices during meetings?

A "riot" with a stabbing and fistfights broke out outside Ferris High school yesterday as students were milling around outside the school. Jersey City police spokesman Stan H. Eason said a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the shoulder with a sharp object believed to be a knife, while a 17-year-old boy was hit in the head with a stick. Police met with a third victim at Ferris High School, a 16-year-old girl, who said someone hit her with an “unknown object” on her head while she was trying to flee the fight, reports said.

One kid is found face down at Brunswick at Christopher Columbus, another is found at First and Coles and another was hit attempting to flee.

Why are they outside at all? As one of the 16 year-old witnesses said “This was probably gang-related. It’s crazy,” said a 16-year-old student leaving the school yesterday afternoon. “This always happens at this school. We always have riots. It’s going to happen again.”

ORLY? Again, why are the kids outside? If the kids know it's gang-related we KNOW the school district does too, they just won't admit it. In fact a school spokesperson said they were aware of the riot but had no specifics.

We do, gang related riot, kids outside, Jersey City Schools won't act until someone's child is either stabbed to death or shot. There you go, all the facts you'll need.

You know the ticket police. They go by many names depending upon your municipality. While in the back of your mind you know they perform a city function and are a protected species, you detest them. You realize you can't just go punch one in the mush for writing a dodgy parking ticket. No doubt though you've hoped and wished THEY too could feel some of your pain just once.

Ms. Olatakumbo Erinosho, a traffic enforcement agent in New York City, who owed $450 in PARKING FINES, was recently arrested after she decided no way were city authorities taking her Cadillac Escalade for unpaid tickets. Paul J. Browne, chief Police Department spokesman, takes it from there:

...She “interfered with and resisted their lawful efforts to seize her personal vehicle” and “subsequently resisted efforts by police who were summoned by marshals to arrest her.”

Ms. Erinosho fought the law, and as the Bobby Fuller Four taught us, the law won...

Sunday, January 8, 2012

In 1963, baseball pitcher Gaylord Perry remarked, "They'll put a man on the moon before I hit a home run." On July 20, 1969, a few hours after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Gaylord Perry hit his first (and only) home run.

Enough exclamation points? Does it meet the level of excitment for this game? Like beatwriter Dickie Dunn in Slapshot, Johnny's just trying to capture the spirit of the thing.

Weather, gorgeous, advantage Falcons. No, really. The Falcons rely heavily on the ground game. The Giants front four could have a much easier time bottling that up in the snow or sleet or a cold rain. Matt Ryan won't have to face those famous swirling Meadowlands-area winds. All in all this isn't bad for a dome team to have to play in.

As for Matt Ryan and Eli Manning (We notice those Mark Sanchez Toyota ads have gone missing), Advantage Giants. Eli is playing well, he's playing with confidence. Matt Ryan is still in search of a signature win. Sooner or later every one of these up and coming next great talent QB is going to need to win a playoff game on the road. Ryan still hasn't done that. Until he does we feel pretty safe to say unless Eli got some bad butter on his toast for breakfast he's the better quarterback.

Can the Giants stop Atlanta on the ground? That's the $64,000 question. The Giants have been playing better on defense and their third down defense has gotten much better lately. We don't think the Giants defense is going to have to win this game for them. They just need to play steady as she goes. Turnovers are frosting today. Tasty pigskin flavored frosting. Just keep Atlanta in check, say 17 points and around 100 yards rushing. Every yard less than 100 for the Falcons run for squeezes a little bit more life out of them.

Special teams. Every fan of every team at playoff time says the same prayer "Do NOT screw us oh special teams." Again, steady as she goes.

We'd also give the nod to coach Tom Coughlin in this one. No way he's ever going to go for a 4th and 1 from his own 30 in overtime in Madden football let alone a real game.

So, with a trip to scenic Green Bay in January on the line the fearless forecast says:

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Then of course you remember the harrowing trip through the Fireswamp with Westley and Buttercup. Who could forget those random pulsing fire bursts and those hideous Rodents of Unusual Size with their huge bodies and sharp teeth.

Johnny thinks the Fireswamp MAY, and we stress MAY, be located in or around The Bronx.

A massive rat, truly a rodent of unusual size, was found in a Foot Locker in The Bronx. Now if large rats make you all jinky and janky this link is not for you. But it is not the first time a rodent this big has been seen in the Bronx. The persons of letters over at Gothamist have an idea what's going on.

Johnny Action Science Punk remembers in his sixth grade math class having a textbook with cartoon characters to help doe-eyed students learn. One of these characters seared into Johnny's brain was Dogberry, the dog with the helpful hints. Johnny's here to give you this Dogberry hint, once we run out of Kia Souls to let them drive we're in big trouble.

The late 70's were a good time to be a music fan....FACT! From 1977 here are The Babys with 'Isn't it Time'. We've made the point before but it bears repeating, smart bands use great backup singers and use them well. The Babys were a smart band.

How about we finish up the music series this week with some authentic American blues from a real harp master. Of course he's a harp (aka harmonica) master or he couldn't call himself Slim Harpo now could he?

Friday, January 6, 2012

Leona Beldini, Mayor Jerramiah Healy's former Deputy Mayor, will have to serve her sentence for two counts of bribery in jail and not under house arrest. Beldini had tried to impress upon U.S. District Judge Jose Linares in Newark yesterday her health was failing to the point she would die in jail because of her health issues. Linares said the prison system could adequately meet her needs.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Vintage car ad night. Hmmmm, Gremlin or Pinto, Gremlin or Pinto? Throwing away $3000 on a hunk of crap car that looks like the neighborhood creeper drives it vs. fiery death from behind.....OK, make it the six-cylinder Gremlin and the creeper reputation...

A wonderful exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, The Greatest Grid, is showing how the grid known as New York City was built and the reasons behind it. Did you know why there are so few Avenues? Do you know how far the original map of the city went north? A really great read from the New York Times on this dovetails the Museum of the City of New York show incredibly well. It asks all the right questions to make you wanna go see the exhibit. We'll offer two pics, one from Park Avenue looking south at 94th Street in 1882 and one today.

She's good! She was "discovered" on the NYC subway playing for her car along with a bongo player she'd never met before. How serendipitous! According to the article found here she'll be performing January 14th at Local 269.

What a fresh new voice. Viva Jessica. It's rare that someone singing on the subway isn't annoying as hell so well done there.

It's become like a schoolyard over at 280 Grove St. A couple City Council members, Nidia Lopez (formerly in Mayor Healy's back pocket when first elected now showing signs of independence) and Viola Richardson want to change how the President of the Jersey City Council is chosen and put Richardson in the catbird's seat. This has angered current President Peter Brennan (A useless crony of a city councilman if you ask us) who was elected for a four year stint in 2009, and Mayor Healy who has very few allies who will roll over for him anymore. No doubt Healy can see the writing on the wall with his comment directed towards Richardson and Lopez:

“premature . . . unjustified and illegal.” Healy then went into voting numbers from 2009 to state his case. Brennan took the high road in immediately trashing the Lopez idea and brought up her previous disturbing citizenship flap:

“Maybe she should go back to Florida, that’s a change maybe people might want” he said.

RAWR, the kitty claws are coming out aren't they? Should make for an interesting City Council meeting when this is brought up January 11th.

In our humble opinion ANYTHING That can take power away from Healy and Brennan, however ceremonial, should be undertaken immediately. This city needs smarter decisions than the ones being made because it would seem just about all the decisions made in Jersey City involve somebody's palm getting greased. Out with the old and in with the new.

The Seton Hall Pirates put the smack down on #8 UConn last night at the Prudential Center 75-63. It would appear barring some kind of dramatic meltdown the 13-2 Pirates will be going to the NCAA Tournament in March. Herb Pope had 15 points and 8 rebounds while teammate Jordan Theodore led the Hall is scoring with 19 points and 11 assists.

Seton Hall is fast becoming THE college hoops story out east this season. We're happy to see it.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu will be entering the NFL draft after his junior year he announced earlier today. Sanu has always been a class player and a darned good one. He's ready for the NFL draft despite the plethora of other receiver choices. We give him a tip of the Jersey City Desk cap...

Monday, January 2, 2012

How 'bout them Spartans!? Johnny's team will finish in the Top Ten for the first time since 1999. Congrats Spartans on an otherwise abysmal day for the Big Ten. An 11-3 season and a senior class for the ages. Spartans Will.

You can smell all the bowl games today cooking in the kitchen can't you? Some wonderful matchups today. Johnny of course will be cheering for his Michigan State Spartans at 1 pm vs. Georgia. Sure hope this bowl game goes better than last year.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Well here we are, the final act of the 2011-12 regular season. The Giants and Jets are both very much alive and yet very much on life support. The team with the bigger "Bring out your dead..." moment is the Jetropolitans. In order for the Jets to make it to the postseason they need a string of good luck today. A big string of good luck. They must beat the Dolphins in Miami. OK, doable. The Dolphins are very hot right now and the Jets have lost their way so it won't be easy but here is the rest of that lifeline:

Cincinnati must lose at home to Baltimore. Both teams have a lot to play for but Baltimore looks to be a stronger choice here.Tennessee must lose in Houston. Will Houston be resting players at some point? Tennessee doesn't really scare anyone do they?Denver or Oakland must lose. The Broncos host Kansas City while the Raiders face San Diego at home. We think Kansas City, which has won maybe once in Denver since Len Dawson was their QB will continue that pedigree. The Raiders? Who knows, flip a coin.

Possible.

If they don't win and get in it's more than time to ask the question in Mark Sanchez wasn't more of a fashionable sexy draft pick than a smart franchise move for a QB. Stats don't lie after all this time.

Now, the team that stomped the Jets like narcs at a biker rally, your New Jersey football Giants, have an easier and more direct path which would be to beat Dallas at home tonight. That's all. Pass rush, harass, hit, annoy and sack Tony Romo out of existence and the playoffs beckon. They should be able to do that. Dallas also has a very unsteady head coach in Jason Garrett who doesn't seem to do them any favors at key moments. Free up next weekend Giants fans.

Fearless forecast:New Jersey Giants 31Dallas Cowboys 17

New Jersey Jets 27Miami Dolphins 26Alas, the Jets playoff scenario mountain is just too high to climb and we think they're done after today. Nice guarantee at the beginning of the season there Rex.

And a man-sized Happy New Year to all of our readers. Here's hoping your 2012 is everything you want it to be. Mold it and shape it in any way you want to and when we meet back here in one year and take stock of it words like memorable will come to mind.

Oh, and nice kicks young lady on the Grove St. PATH platform tonight. Johnny's fashion forward and blue is IN in 2012.